Sweater dress over skinnies questions

shiny

I tried this dress on in the grey the other day, and it was adorable, but 1) the grey just doesn't work for me and 2) I promised myself no more fall/winter dresses because I just don't get enough use out of them.

However, now I see it in the green... and that is sorta my signature color!

http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....=588270002

Questions:

1) What is the ideal length for a dress over skinnies? Especially if you happen to have proportionately short legs.

(Okay... I *think* my legs are little stubbies.... but one day I did measure myself and discovered they aren't quite as stubby as I think .... I'm kinda equally proportioned all over. I'm just not long-legged, sigh).

2) Can a sweater dress be altered? I always figured any kind of sweater can't be altered, but maybe I'm wrong....

17 years ago

Dressing

10 replies

Latest reply was from Tanya

Maya

Veteran

I have been in love with that dress since the day I laid eyes on it. It's so gorgeous.

This is the outfit that got me the highest AAR so far:

http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....G_0987.jpg

I don't have proportionately shorter legs, but I'm not sure it really makes that much of a difference. In a dress, no one can tell where your legs begin and where your torso ends.

As for altering, I am guessing that it would be possible to fold up a couple of inches and sew a hem in place, but anything more and it would require cutting which is obviously not an option. That's just a guess though and I have absolutely no home ec skills at all, so I'm hardly an authority on this topic.

17 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

That dress is beautiful Shiny!

I think the trick is to have the dress be too short to wear without skinnies underneath. That would be a good few inches above your knee. So, technically, that would make your legs look longer, because you'd be showing off more of your legs!

17 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Oh, and your second question....

I've seen "altered" sweater fabric. It's not easy to do. Maybe if you had a knitter do the alterations instead of a seamstress. But if it's wool, you could always shrink it.

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Beautiful dress! Go for it.

Nicole and Maya are both spot on. (I loved that look for you Maya). My sweater dress is just above my knee, and it looks off with skinnies. Say sort of mid-thigh to a good 4 inches above the knee cap is safe as a “tunic” dress length over pants.

I have not had knitwear shortened successfully. You can take it in – but length is tricky.

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Potential hitch: would I absolutely need a coat at least as long as the sweater? New cream coat - probably too short?

I do have such a long coat... it's black though.

17 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Hmmm sounds more like a shopping opportunity than a hitch! (or spanner teehee)

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Hee hee...

Well.... as far as black coats go, it's not a BAD coat. It's a BR coat from many years back. Defines my waist. But the best part: it has a leopard lining!!!

Hmm... but I forgot: I also have that camel coat I posted recently. It's on the short side though, but it may work....

17 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

I love that dress Shiny! I am also planning to get it , but in grey, of course if it fits well and if the length is right. I wanted to check it out this weekend, but my local BR did not have it, so I'll be going to Copley next weekend for that. I hope it works for you, then we can be twins

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I was looking out for that dress in BR stores today, but Seattle does not have it yet either.

I'd say a shopping opportunity for sure, Shiny! You know that “lengths” are my quirk. I like a coat or trench to fit over a tunic and dress properly – it has to be long enough, or short enough. (Sorry *spanner*).

17 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

Angie, I was actually going to ask about that. Specifically, about adding an outer layer to the whole tunic/shirtdress over skinnies look. Now it makes sense to me that a longer coat such as trench should cover the tunic completely. But i am confused about the short version. What's the appropriate length and shape for a cardi/jacket to be worn over tunic/shirtdress? Thanks!

17 years ago

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